The US has supported the African Union (AU) force that has driven al-Shabab out of the capital, Mogadishu, and other towns since 2011.

The al-Qaeda-linked fighters want to overthrow the UN-backed Somali government and frequently attack government targets as well as neighbouring countries that provide troops to the AU force.

'Painstaking work'

A statement from the White House press secretary described al-Shabab as the "largest al-Qaeda affiliate in Africa".

Godane's death "reflects years of painstaking work by our intelligence, military and law enforcement professionals", the statement said.

The al-Shabab leader had publicly claimed the group's responsibility for the deadly Westgate shopping centre attack in September last year, he said.

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The African Union force (pictured here) and the Somali army launched a major offensive last weekend

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Several towns have been liberated in the push dubbed Operation Indian Ocean

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The coastal area between Mogadishu and Kismayo is under al-Shabab's control giving it access to ports

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Al-Shabab fighters, who want an Islamic state, tend to melt into the civilian population when attacked

"Under his leadership, the group has claimed responsibility for many bombings - including various types of suicide attacks - in Mogadishu and in central and northern Somalia, typically targeting officials and perceived allies of the Somali government as well as the former transitional federal government of Somalia.

"Godane has also continued to oversee plots targeting Westerners, including US persons, in East Africa."

The White House said the US would continue to use the tools at its disposal - "financial, diplomatic, intelligence and military" - to address the threat of al-Shabab and to support the Somali government's efforts to "build a secure and stable future for the Somali people".

The US attack, using manned and unmanned aircraft, took place about 240km (150 miles) south of Mogadishu on an encampment and convoy of vehicles - believed to have been made up of three lorries and a smaller vehicle.

It took place days after the 22,000-strong AU force had launched a major offensive to capture territory from the militants in the Lower Shabelle region.